No Takers for RCST Trail Advocate

We didn't get any takers for the Trail Advocacy Post for RCST. What will we do? Frank suggested a committee. But that would still require someone to take the lead. Anyone?

Help Wanted: RCST Trail Advocate

RCST is looking for a trail advocate representative. Keith, Rick, nor myself no longer can dedicate the time to this and the club could use a fresh face in this area. I’m sure you noticed less and less trailwork sessions (although the trails really have been awesome and we have lots of members that will do a little trail work while going for a ride).

What the job involves:
o Attending bi-annual, statewide meeting of mountain bike clubs to hear/talk about trail advocacy.
o Working with DCNR and other users groups (equine/hikers) on organized trailwork sessions. Maybe be part of a “Friends” group of Weiser.
o Help organize trail work as needed (working with the Equine folks).
o Coordinate club members for trail work as needed.
o Follow IMBA’s guidelines on trail advocacy, trail building, trail maintenance.
o Communicate any info you receive with the club membership. That could be done through the BLOG (or maybe our soon-to-be redesigned website).

This is volunteer work, but if you have a passion for mountainbiking and the RCST trails, its well worth the time and effort. If you do it right (you are calling the shots!), you’ll get to RIDE every time there’s a meeting or trail work session.

Please let Jill know ( rebjsw@epix.net) of your interest and she’ll take care of connecting you with the appropriate folks (i.e., IMBA, DCNR, and Jim Theurer of the Equine Assoc to start). There’s already a session underway by Jim to have someone take a look at Preserve line trail. He’s also planning to have someone show them some trail building techniques so this is a perfect time for those of you wanting to get involved to join ranks with Jim, et.al. Thanks!

Meeting with DCNR and Equine Groups Held

DCNR called a meeting between the Rattling Creek Singletrackers and and the Equine folks. DCNR wanted to simply get folks together and talk about trail use, maintenance, and next steps for trails within Weiser State Forest. The Lykens Watershed trails (Rattling Creek, Doc Smith, Fawn Kill, Rugged, and Hopback) were not discussed and are not part of the trails the Equine groups ride. Those in attendance were Keith Whitcomb, Rick Brown (and Jill) from RCST; Jim Theurer, "Dee", and another gal (forgot her name - doh!) from the Equine groups; and Nick Zulli and Mark Deibler from DCNR. It was a good discussion that primarily focused on trail maintenance and the horse groups were enthusiastic to help with trail work. So much so, that Jim took the lead and will proceed with contacting Bud Wills of the PA Equine Council (Frank McGuire works closely with Mr. Wills on trail usage) to have him come to Weiser and look at Preserve line trail for a possible re-route. While the portion of Preserve line to be re-routed (the creek end) isn't a regularly used trail of the mountain bikes, it IS a primary trail for the horses and there's some concern the trail is too much on the "fall line" and erosion will occur eventually. DCNR agreed this has been a problem for years. The equine folks asked DCNR if regular trail maintenance could be set up and DCNR stated they do not have the manpower to do such maintenance. DCNR depends on folks like us -- the users -- to tell them what is needed and volunteer the hours (Like RCST has been doing for many years. We did talk about regular sessions of the past). DCNR commented we probably know the trails better than anyone and rely on us for any issues that arise. I'd like to thank DCNR for recognizing the work RCST put into the trail network. "If we didn't have you guys, there probably wouldn't be a trail system today." The Equine groups asked DCNR for better maps and that may not happen too soon due to budgetary constraints. DCNR also commented they would love to see a "Friends of Weiser" group formed consisting of all of us to regularly maintain trails. Not sure what the program is -- I'll have to research a little more.